A cascade of debris fell on Beijing’s tallest skyscraper this morning following a near mid-air collision involving two commercial aircraft. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 local time, sent fragments of what appears to be metal and composite material onto the China Zun tower in the city’s Central Business District. No casualties have been reported, but authorities have cordoned off the area as a precaution.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China confirmed that a China Eastern Airlines Airbus A330 and a Hainan Airlines Boeing 737 experienced a loss of separation at 3,000 feet, triggering onboard collision avoidance systems. Both aircraft landed safely at Beijing Capital International Airport with no injuries to passengers or crew. The debris is believed to have come from one of the aircraft, though the exact source remains under investigation.
Witnesses described a loud bang followed by a shower of fragments striking the tower’s glass facade. Emergency services arrived within minutes, and the building’s occupants were evacuated while structural engineers assessed any damage. The tower, which stands at 528 metres, sustained superficial damage to its lower floors.
This event raises fresh questions about airspace congestion around the Chinese capital. Beijing’s airspace is among the busiest in the world, with frequent delays and close calls that have prompted calls for reform. In 2020, a near miss at Beijing Daxing International Airport resulted in a review of air traffic control procedures. This latest incident is likely to intensify scrutiny on air traffic management.
China Eastern and Hainan Airlines have both issued statements confirming that their aircraft have been grounded pending investigation. The CAAC has launched a formal inquiry, with initial findings expected within a week. Experts note that while mid-air collisions are rare, debris falling from near misses can pose a significant risk to ground structures, particularly in densely populated urban centres.
The incident underscores the delicate interplay between aviation safety and urban development. As cities grow taller and air traffic increases, the margin for error diminishes. Beijing’s response to this scare will be watched closely by international aviation authorities. For now, the city breathes a sigh of relief that a potential catastrophe was avoided.
